Characteristics of a willing heart
Approaching the Scriptures for study
The following essay is the first reflection for our May focus on the spiritual practice of Study. Read more here about our exploration of the spiritual disciplines in 2025 through creative and reflective writing.
By Katherine Pittman
To study the Word of God is to be refined. As it were, one is brought under the light of the Word and is willing to inquire. A prerequisite to study is a willing heart: the chispa, as we say in Spanish, or spark that lights a flame. Willingness, as packaged through a curious, moldable, and active approach, will prime the mind and heart for a fruitful time in studying the Bible.
Curiosity
Growing up, stories that included variations of the word “curiosity” always had a negative consequence. Someone would end up experiencing grief and even death because they were probing (“Curiosity killed the cat”). However, the need for curiosity is supported when considering an inquisitive mind that seeks to understand.. The origin of curiosity indicates an eagerness to learn something new, and, interestingly, the etymology of “curious” denotes a careful approach to whatever one is curious about. Ezra 7:10 shows us that the translation of the word, study, is dāraš, which means “to seek with care.”
“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.”
In being curious, we confirm a thirst in our hearts for hope, encouragement, and answers; all things in store for the one who studies the Word of God.
Teachability
Studying the Bible is inevitably tethered to transformation. The Holy Spirit, as in 2 Corinthians 3:18, enables us to change to the likeness of Christ. The Bible often uses the original word mathētēs to signify someone who learns from a teacher or a disciple. As learners of Jesus, we have the opportunity to learn what it means to love, to grow in understanding. In contrast to accomplishing a daily goal or another to-do item, approaching study with a pupil mindset will serve the student’s life better. It not only dissolves a false sense of perfection or “better-than-thou” piety but also maintains the posture of growth. Staying moldable comes more easily when we are amenable to being renewed.
Active
There’s no approach as effective to study as an active one. There’s something beautiful about consistency because it shows determination and steadfastness. It creates the cycle described in a song by Kari Jobe, a Christian singer-songwriter.:
The more I seek You, the more I find You
The more I find You, the more I love You
- “The More I Seek You”¹
The song reflects that as you inquire, your thirst for knowing God grows. As your thirst grows, the desire to seek increases. Practically speaking, approaching active study of the Bible might look like setting an alarm for Bible study or asking for help with the kids while you dive into study. It might also look like selecting one Bible verse to memorize and making it your phone wallpaper. There are various ways to intentionally study the Bible, but growing closer to God and understanding Him is essential.
The Word is vast and compels us to take a curious, teachable, and active approach. If the Spirit of God inspired the Word, and God’s ways are above ours, we can conclude that the depths of truth in His Word are uncovered over time. It’s like a miner that digs for gold; sometimes, it’s arduous, but what we find is glorious. Through study, we learn about the King of Kings, and in turn, we learn about ourselves. As we gaze upon His beauty, the clearer life becomes.
¹
Of Nicaraguan heritage and the daughter of immigrants, Katherine lives in Colorado Springs with her husband, Nathan, and their two toddler boys. She is passionate about leadership, theology, and serving alongside her husband at the church they lead. She enjoys salsa music and is pursuing a PhD at Southeastern University. You can connect with her on Substack and Instagram @kmrpittman.
SAVE THE DATE - upcoming webinar
Unbiased: Creating Diverse Characters Without Offense
Thursday, May 15 · 10:00-11:00am PT / 1:00pm-2:00pm ET
Have you ever had a character or story that you wanted to share, but the complex diversity (gender, race/ethnicity, ability, status, etc.) caused you to hesitate or stop entirely? You want to share your character’s story, but don’t want to offend anyone. What do you do?
Learn strategies for developing well-rounded, diverse characters that reflect a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. The session will focus on avoiding stereotypes and cultural appropriation while emphasizing the importance of authentic representation. Through discussions, examples, and practical exercises, attendees will gain insights into who should tell specific stories and how to respectfully portray characters from different walks of life, ensuring their work is inclusive, sensitive, and impactful.
About Our Presenter:
Torrie Sorge is a bridge-building communicator who helps people navigate the intersection of diversity and discipleship with clarity, grace, and hope. Through thoughtful speaking, sensitive editing, and transformative consulting, Torrie equips high-capacity leaders, authors, and everyday believers to see and love others like Jesus—boldly, inclusively, and authentically. Rooted in faith and guided by empathy, her work creates space for hard and holy conversations that turn intention into grace-filled impact.
This webinar is free for Redbud Writers Guild members (no need to register), $15 for non-members. All proceeds go to support our Women of Color Mentoring Program.
Recordings will be sent to everyone who is registered.
P.S. Know someone who might be encouraged by this post or interested in our upcoming webinars? Feel free to forward this to them!
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This was so inspiring! I especially love this idea: “As your thirst grows, the desire to seek increases.” 🪴